Is Motorcycle Insurnace Necessary All Year?

A motorcycle is a great way to get around or to go out and have fun but without the proper insurance, it can also be a terrible risk. For those that have motorcycles, it is important that you take the time to really figure out what type of insurance you need and to find out how long you need to keep the policy effective. For those that live in the Rochester, MN area, the agents with Safechoice Insurance Agency can help you tailor a policy to your needs so that you can be safe whenever you ride.

For those that are wondering should you keep motorcycle insurance all year, the answer is simple, any time that there is a chance you are going to ride it, you should have insurance in place. For those that live in a climate where winters are cold and the bike is not going to be ridden, you could get away without insurance during the colder months. For those where the climate is accommodating to riding all year, you need to make sure you keep a policy all year.

Most motorcycle policies are less than a hundred dollars for the entire year and as such you should go ahead and keep a policy all the time. Policies do not only cover accidents, most cover vandalism and other damages that might be done to the bike as well. Keeping insurance is inexpensive enough and you do get a discount for buying an entire year of insurance at once. If you have a motorcycle and are wondering about insurance contact an agent to see what policy you might benefit from. For those in the Rochester, MN area, the agents with Safechoice Insurance Agency can help you find the perfect policy for your bike and for your particular situation.  

Getting Beyond the Myths about Life Insurance in Rochester, MN

Life insurance is one of the most important, yet misunderstood forms of insurance. Don’t let myths get in the way of you securing an important type of protection for you and your family. Here are some of the more popular myths about life insurance in Rochester, MN. At the Safechoice Insurance Agency, we want you to know why you should disregard these myths.

Myth: Life Insurance Becomes More Expensive as You Age

This myth often comes up because of a misunderstanding. It’s true that premiums can become more expensive if you wait too long to start a life insurance policy. For example, it’s more cost feasible to start at 30 than it is to start at 50. Once you actually have your policy, this no longer applies. Your rates don’t increase as you age.

Myth: If You Have Life Insurance Through an Employer, You Don’t Need Your Own Policy

Many employers offer some form of life insurance as a part of their benefits package. These types of offerings can help, and you should definitely take advantage of them if they’re free or absurdly low cost. However, there’s no guarantee your employer’s plan will have the adequate amount of insurance for your needs.

In addition, that life insurance may only last for as long as you work for that employer. Don’t think of it as a full policy, just a perk. You still should have your own life insurance policy.

Myth: You Don’t Need Life Insurance if You’re Young or Have No Children

You don’t have to wait until you’re older, more financially secure, or a parent. You can lock in good rates when you’re younger. It’s an excellent idea to have coverage before your life starts to change. Life insurance is also a good idea if you have any debt that may remain with someone else, such as co-signed student loan debt.

There are many other life insurance myths in Rochester, MN besides these. At the Safechoice Insurance Agency, we want to help you get beyond the myths so you can pick up the coverage you need. Contact us today to learn more.

Top Questions to Ask About Your RV Insurance Policy.

As the owner of a recreational vehicle you know that it is not a standard vehicle; therefore a standard auto insurance policy is not enough to adequately protect your RV. It is important to ask the right questions about your policy to be properly insured.

What are the use limitations in my RV insurance policy?

This is a critical question to ask, because if you go outside your limits, you may find yourself without coverage. Some plans may only cover a certain amount of days, typically 150 days on the road, for RV use while providing all year coverage for mobile home use. You will want to speak with your Safechoice Insurance Agency representative and make sure your policy will cover you for your usage.

What type of add-on coverage does my policy provide?

Because you and your RV can find yourself in various situations, there are many practical add-on coverages available in the marketplace. If you do not want to find yourself stranded, one of the most popular add-ons is 24-hour roadside assistance. This coverage will give you the comfort of knowing your vacation will not be cut short.

Does my policy cover my personal property in the RV?

Unlike a standard auto policy, you can purchase coverage for your personal property through your RV insurance policy. You will want to come up with a list of inventory to provide to your insurance agent. You may also want to discuss covering custom features that you have added to the RV. If you purchase new equipment for your next trip outside Rochester, MN, make sure to update your policy, so it is covered.

If you have additional questions about RV insurance, reach out to an agent at Safechoice Insurance Agency, we proudly serve the Rochester, MN area.

 

Three things you need to know about your liabilities when riding your ATV

A lot of ATV riders in Rochester, MN aren’t too sure whether or not insurance coverage is necessary for them. As a general rule, you don’t absolutely have to have insurance on your ATV if you are only going to be riding it on your property. However, you may need or want to purchase coverage through a provider like Safechoice Insurance Agency if you’ll be riding your ATV on public or private properties. 

The following are three things ATV riders need to know about their financial liabilities:

Having an ATV insurance policy is a good idea whether or not you’ll be taking your ATV off of your property.

Even if you’re only going to be riding on your property, insurance coverage is important to cover your liabilities if you allow guests to ride your ATV on your property. You will be liable for any accidents that happen on your property. While some homeowner’s insurance policies may cover you in this situation, they won’t necessarily offer coverage. It’s important to look into this matter if you expect your homeowner’s insurance to cover ATV use on your property. 

Some state parks require that ATV riders have an insurance policy covering their ATV.

Before you use your ATV at any state park or on any public properties, you need to look into rules and regulations regarding coverage. Look into the rules and regulations in place before you go riding on any public properties. 

If you take out a loan to purchase an ATV, you’ll need insurance.

It’s always necessary to have insurance coverage if you’re financed to purchase an ATV. Until your loan’s paid off and you own your ATV outright, you’ll need both liability on collision coverage. 

4 Signs You Need Toy Insurance

Toy insurance refers to the many items you own that aren’t strictly necessary, but that you still want to keep. A jet ski, an ATV, a snowmobile: these are all expensive purchases in Rochester, MN you should be protecting. Toy insurance can help, so keep these signs in mind for the best in financial help should you need it. 

1. You Use Your Toys 

Your jet ski doesn’t just sit around summer after summer while you find other things to do with your spare time. You take it out, and you make sure you get your money’s worth. The more times you’re out with it though, the more likely it is something will happen where you’ll wish you had coverage. 

2. You Stand to Lose 

If you know you would definitely want to buy another snowmobile if yours was stolen, Safechoice Insurance Agency can help you find the best way to keep yourself from having to pay the full cost of replacement (or even half the cost.)

3. Your Toys Were an Investment

If your ATV is something you’re planning to give to your children’s children, then you need to protect it. More than just working out the kinks on your own or replacing a part or two, insurance covers a variety of scenarios so you can ensure these memory-laden objects are passed down when the time comes. 

4. You Need Someone Who Understands 

Your neighbors might not understand the full value of what’s sitting in your driveway or garage, but the staff at Safechoice Insurance Agency does. We’re here to assist all the people of Rochester, MN with their questions today. Let us figure out a way for you keep your items safe from both natural and man-made harm when you give us a call.

Importance of Individual Health Insurance

Without a shadow of a doubt, individual health insurance can never be ignored when it comes to safeguarding one’s life.

Importance of Individual Health Insurance  

  • Insured people receive better and timely healthcare – People who are not insured receive fewer preventive benefits and get less screening. Screening is essential as some diseases like breast cancer and cervical cancer can be detected in the early stages and cured. Uninsured pregnant women tend to receive little pre-natal care, which is not advocated for in regards to the health of the mother and the baby.
  • Individual health insurance benefits the people with the discounted medical prices. The discounted prices are negotiated by the private health plans and some are imposed by the public programs. People who are not insured tend to struggle with huge medical bills. These medical bills have been a source of bankruptcies in many families.
  • Better health outcome –people who are not insured tend to get sick from time to time and may die prematurely. Insured individuals receive better healthcare and tend to live a better life with controlled health conditions. No matter the condition, one is able to reap maximum benefits of an insurance plan. Individual health Insurance safeguards one’s health in general.
  • Individual health insurance saves a lot of money. People spend their lifetime savings and other resources trying to cater for huge medical bills. Medical insurance plans cater for the patients’ medical needs, thus saving them even when they are financially down. Uninsured patients may be a source of burden to other family members who are unable to cater for the hospital bills. The health insurance saves the insured individuals from the unexpected and the high medical costs as no one plans to fall ill.

If you want a reliable insurance provider, then Safechoice Insurance Agency is a good option to consider. The company operates in Rochester, MN and other regions to provide professional insurance services.

 

How Life Insurance Protects Your Family in Rochester, MN

A study by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners found that less half of young people with families had life insurance. Those that did have life insurance, did not have enough. On average, their policies only provided enough funding for approximately three years. Life insurance is important financial protection for the family in the event of the untimely death of one or both spouses.  Without this important protection, financial security would be uncertain for the survivors. The team at Safechoice Insurance Agency, serving Rochester MN, understands the importance of adequate life insurance. They will work with you to get the protection your family needs.

When deciding how much life insurance is needed, consider your current income.  It’s also important to consider if you would like to set aside funds for your child’s future education. If you have other dependents, such as aging parents or siblings, who would be impacted by your death, they will be factored into your decision-making process. Insurance monies will also need to your final expenses and debts. To ensure that you have enough coverage, remember to include estate taxes and inflation. Also, take into account any life insurance policies that you have through work or veteran’s insurance. Social Security also provides some benefits.   

There is a lot that goes into deciding the amount of life insurance coverage that your family needs. Thankfully, you don’t have to go through the thought process alone. The insurance pros at Safechoice Insurance Agency, serving Rochester MN, can help explain all of your options. Then give them a call or drop by their office.  They ready to help you protect your family today!

The Difference Between Professional Liability Insurance a General Liability Insurance

With so many different kinds of commercial insurance, it can be difficult do know what is right for your business. At Safechoice Insurance Agency, we want to make sure your Rochester, MN business is properly protected. That is why we want to outline the difference between Professional Liability Insurance and General Liability Insurance. While the two share similar names, each provides different forms of coverage, so understanding the difference is essential in finding the right business insurance coverage. 

General Liability Insurance

General Liability Insurance provides basic coverage for you, your business and your employees should one of your products or services cause property or bodily damage to a recipient of the product. 

Professional Liability Insurance

Professional Liability Insurance is a bit different from General Liability Insurance in that it protects you should a former client attempt to sue you for not putting forward your best effort. For example, a former client may attempt to sue an attorney, saying the attorney did not put in their complete effort. General Liability Insurance does not provide this kind of coverage. 

When is Professional Liability Insurance Desired?

While the general insurance is an excellent insurance add-on for any business, Professional Liability Insurance is more suited for professional firms where a service is offered (instead of a product). This can include everything form a hair salon to insurance agent, lawyer or accountant. Your commercial insurance agency can help decide what form of coverage is best for your business. 

No matter the kind of business you run, having the right kind of insurance coverage is essential in protecting your company. At Safechoice Insurance Agency, we are all about assisting you and your Rochester, MN company. So whether you have questions about available insurance options or are in need of specific coverage, we are here to help

6 inexpensive energy upgrades you can make to your home

The average consumer spends approximately $2,000 per year on energy costs. The Department of Energy estimates that as much as $400 is being wasted.  At the Rochester, MN, Safechoice Insurance Agency, we’ve got more tips to help you save on your energy bill.

Completing an Energy Audit of your home can uncover the costliest leaks and suggest fixes.  While you can do it yourself, many utility companies will provide low cost or free audits, using infrared cameras, blower doors, or other high-tech tools. Rochester Public Utilities can provide an energy audit and offers rebate coupons for energy-efficient appliance and light builds. 

Here are six free or inexpensive energy upgrades you can do yourself:

  1. Next to heating and cooling, water heaters represent the largest expense. Lower the temperature on your water heater by a degree or two.
  2. Install a programmable thermostat and raise/lower the temperature when you’re sleeping or gone for the day.  Some of the newer, high-tech thermostats will learn your patterns and program themselves.
  3. Seal air leaks around pipes leading to the outside and add weather stripping to doors or windows.
  4. Add pipe insulation to the pipes leading into your home from your air conditioner or heating unit.
  5. Add insulation in attics, basement, and crawl spaces.
  6. Using more efficient light bulbs and fixtures can reduce the amount of energy used for lighting by 50% to 75%.

If you have older appliances, upgrading them to energy-efficient appliances can pay for themselves over time. A new ENERGY STAR ® refrigerator could save you as much as $150 a year.  A quick way to check if your refrigerator is sealed is to close a dollar in the door. If it falls to the floor, you’re leaking energy.

More energy efficient windows and doors can help reduce your energy bill. Adding storm windows can reduce heat loss through your windows by as much as 50%.

For all your home insurance needs, contact Rochester, MN, Safechoice Insurance Agency.

Things That Can Increase Your Risk Level and Insurance Rate

As is true across the nation, auto insurance is mandatory in Rochester, MN. The penalties are severe for those who drive without coverage. This is understandable because accidents are all too common these days.

Since you must have insurance, you should try to limit your level of risk of being in an auto accident or the victim of theft. Following are three things you should consider when assessing your risk level. Also, contact the experienced staff at Safechoice Insurance Agency for more information.

1. Your Occupation

Sure times are tough. You are willing to take almost any job to earn some extra cash, right?

Be aware that certain occupations can increase your odds of being involved in an auto accident. For example, pizza delivery drivers are under intense pressure to get orders to customers in a prescribed amount of time. Consequently, they may drive a little faster than normally advised.

Delivery drivers are more susceptible to an accident than the average person who can pay closer attention to the road.

2. Your Neighborhood

If you live in or move to a known high-crime neighborhood, you need to think about the effect this could have on your insurance rate.

Most cities have areas hard hit by car thieves. You may need to consider getting more coverage to handle the increased odds of your car being stolen if living in one of these places.  

Of course, you cannot always help where you live. If your neighborhood has lots of crime, try to park your car off the street in a more secure spot.

3. Your Vehicle Model

Getting a new car? Is it a flashy, super-fast sports car? Well, if this ride has a tremendous amount of horsepower, you face a higher risk of an accident.

The chances are that you may not be able to handle all the power under the hood. High-velocity cars can get you into serious trouble and lead to insurance rate increases.

Learn More About Risks and How to Avoid Them

You must have adequate auto insurance. Might as well limit your risks of an accident or theft to keep rates as low as possible.

If interested in avoiding unnecessary risks, contact the agents at Safechoice Insurance Agency, serving Rochester, MN and beyond.